*Thanks to farfromhome for 'whack me one on the ear-hole' as a means of communication*

Part 3 of 3

She tips her chin up, "And that's where I come in! I'm the help you need." She chops a hand, "So, come on, tell me, what's your problem? Just don't tell me anything personal! You must see a doctor or a lawyer or a priest for anything like that."

He sighs forlornly, "A doctor would probably whack me one on the ear-hole and tell me to man up. A lawyer could help draw up a pre-nup but I don't want one. A priest might come in handy… but only if my problem is solved."

Only one word of that entire statement catches her attention. Her head flies up and her eyes began to whirl at the mention of 'pre-nup'. Her sky darkens and all sound hushes as she blurts out one burning question, "You want to get married?" She sees the truth flash in his eyes and her heart begins to burn too. She doesn't want to ask, she doesn't!, but she has to! Her world teeters on the edge of total ruin as she whispers, "Who is it? Someone back home?"

He shakes his head slowly, watching her carefully.

Her eyes begin to sting, "Oh, someone you met on the island then?"

He nods just as slowly, not taking his eyes off her.

She frowns. Why's he so worried? Does he think I'll pull out a gun and shoot him? Why would he think that? Just because I almost twisted his arm off during the Spa Case is no reason for him to think I'm a homicidal maniac! Just because he's going to marry someone is no reason for him to think I would… I would…

Her eyes widen as the full force of the situation hits her and she turns her back so he can't see her face. He's going to marry someone ELSE? Oh, god, how could he keep such a secret? Does he know? Does he know I'm in love with him and expects a jealous rage... or an attack? He can't know. He CAN'T! I've fought so hard and paid so dearly to hide my feelings.

She glances over her shoulder. He's still watching. She turns away again, covers her eyes, shudders. Yes, of course he knows. He's the greatest detective I've ever met and there's no way I fooled him. He knows. He knows and he's trying to be kind by telling me in private that he's going to marry. Someone else. Not me. Never me. Oh, Richard. Oh, my heart.

A small sob escapes her before she locks herself down, swipes at her cheek, and turns to face him. "Well," she manages, "that's wonderful. Congratulations. I hope you two will be very happy together. Do I know her?" I hope I don't, she cries inside, otherwise I will have to KILL her! The look on his face confuses her, like he can't believe she has to ask. She grits her teeth. Well, of course I have to ask! I've never seen you with women except on a case.

Her heart kick-starts and her blood begins to race as she stares into his mesmerizing green eyes. It had better not be that plumptious bold as brass Georgie Westcott! Or is he still holding a candle for that Talbot monstrosity? Oooooo, he'd better not! He'd just better NOT! I'll twist off BOTH his arms if he…

Her inner rant is interrupted as he says cautiously, "Um, you look like you're going to whack me one… which I probably deserve… because HERE is my big problem. Are you listening?"

Her eyes flare up madly but she nods just the same. As his lips begin to move, she's thinking furiously, He better not ask me for advice on how to woo this woman because if he does… then her brain strips a gear and her thoughts crash into rubble. His lips are no longer moving but… "Wh… wha… what? What did you just say?" she whispers in astonishment.

He frowns slightly, presses his lips together and gives her an 'are you all right?' look. He blinks and huffs, "You said you were listening! Um, oh dear, now I need to repeat it and it hurt enough to say the first time. All right, here it is again, are you paying attention now?"

She nods, not breathing.

He nods back, "OK, right, here goes, ahem... I have been in love with you almost from day one when you stabbed me over my heart with that impertinent little finger." He then says sotto voce, "Actually, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I ever met from the first moment I laid eyes on you. I don't actually remember much about that conversation but I remember that. Definitely. The most beautiful woman EVER! But I digress, where was I?"

Her hands are braided behind her back and she swivels minutely from side to side, bottom lip caught in her teeth, "You were saying how much in love you are. Say it again. Please"

He frowns, "Oh no, not until I know how you feel about all this. THIS is my big problem, I'm in love with you but I don't know how you feel about me. Can you give me a hint? And please be kind, my heart hurts enough as it is. I will completely understand if you don't feel the same."

She stops swiveling, her eyes wide, "You want a hint?" He nods. She flings a wild glance up the hill and yells to the two men watching, "He wants a hint about how I feel! What should I do?"

Fidel looks pole-axed but Dwayne's reflexes are as sharp as ever, he's been reading the body English and can hardly believe his eyes! He cups his hands to his mouth and shouts down, "Why don' you go all French on 'im an' teach 'im a lesson, hey?"

She listens to this with dreadful seriousness then nods, "Yes, all right, I will!" Poole is just turning back from staring up at their audience and so has no warning as she steps smartly up to him, grabs two handfuls of lapel, and pulls him in for a kiss that is… well… that is exceedingly French. The shouts of encouragement that drift down from above gives them both a double dose of courage. His arms sweep up and around her as she snugs herself into him like a long-lost pup and the kiss goes on and on and on.

Someone must have made a quick phone call because Maman comes steaming up the hill at full speed just as the couple disengage and simply stand, lost in each other's eyes. "So!" Catherine gusts, "It has happened at last!" She glides up and embraces the couple.

Poole tries to step away but he is under tender restraint from his beloved and he has to give it up for a game of soldiers. Catherine kisses Camille's cheek and whispers something in French that sounds extremely suggestive even to Poole's ears. The look in Camille's eyes as she takes whatever Catherine has just said under advisement makes him jump and begin to stutter but then he is receiving his own cheek-kiss and he freezes. TWO French women man-handling him at the same time is more than his system can handle. He casts a beseeching look towards his other officers but they are already on the move.

Dwayne clatters down the stairs with Fidel hot on his heels. "Hey, now," Dwayne calls out, rushing up to take his boss by the shoulder and drawing him out of harm's way, "Catherine, don't go mussin' the suit! This guy just did a major rebukin' with alla us an' I'm sure he's wrung out." He frowns to his boss, "Yer all wrung out, ain't ya, Chief?"

Poole can only nod a trifle breathlessly, "Yes, that's me, I'm simply wrung out."

Catherine narrows her eyes and looks him up and down but keeps her opinions to herself. Instead, she steps between her daughter and her soon-to-be son-in-law and links her arms through theirs, "In THAT case, let's go to La Kaz where we can relax and drink tea and…"

At the mention of tea, Poole perks up remarkably. He pats Catherine's hand. "Yes, tea, that's the ticket, and I have some apologizing to do, Catherine. I will explain as we walk."

Catherine smiles and nods but she doesn't care. The man has finally come to his senses and that's all that matters! Now he needs to sit down and begin planning his life with Camille.

His life with Camille and all the grand-babies. Oh, yes, let's not forget them, the little darlings.

END